Non-Invasive Prospection Methods in the Roman City of Balsa (Luz de Tavira-Portugal): Revealing the Real Townscape

Ever since Estácio da Veiga, at the end of 19th century, identified ruins Roman city Balsa under Torre d’Aires estate (Luz de Tavira-Portugal) and its surroundings, scientific questions about this have been constantly increasing. Despite historical importance city, referenced in classical literature, archaeological knowledge it remains very scarce due to difficulties around implementing any durable research projects. Therefore, much that written topographical features configuration has no unequivocal support. Finally, 2019 saw launch ongoing project “Balsa, searching for origins Algarve”, which aims ascertain main concerning city’s extent configuration, mainly through non-invasive methods. Since 2017, geomagnetic geo-radar surveys spanned several hectares successfully many traces while discarding existence others certain locations. In last two years, intensified established boundaries as well parts layout, remnants buildings, even fossilised agricultural crops addition other geophysical anomalies, whether or not they are subsequently confirmed by diagnostic pits.